FARMERS in North Wales have been put on high alert for sheep rustlers .

A gang, who could be using a large van or lorry, have already targeted farms and smallholdings on Anglesey several times.

More than 100 sheep, together valued at more than £3,000, have vanished from fields.

Police suspect that all the crimes are linked and have urged farmers to be vigilant.

PC Barry Lander said: "The large number of animals stolen from the respective locations would suggest this is a well planned operation and would require a degree of skill and organisation with respect to the herding and transportation."

The police warning was echoed by farmers' leaders.

Farmers' Union of Wales spokesman Alan Morris said: "We had problems with sheep rustling on a pretty large scale about 10 years ago and now it seems to be back again.

"As well as Anglesey we have also had reports of incidents in mid Wales, including theft of sheep and farm machinery." NFU Cymru President Peredur Hughes, who lost stock to rustlers at his farm in Llanddeusant, Anglesey, three years ago said: "With the police we have a Farm Watch scheme, which means farmers are advised to keep an eye on their neighbours' land and report anything suspicious.

"If anybody sees something out of the ordinary, including a vehicle, such as an animal carrier or van not seen in the area before, people should take a note of the number.

"If they are really concerned they should tell the police immediately."

The thefts include 53 beullech crossed with Welsh Mountain from open fields near the Newborough Arms public house in Gaerwen last month.

These animals are all marked with flock number UK705198.

In January, 29 cross bred sheep were stolen from open fields at Hermon near Aberffraw. These animals were earmarked and tagged.

Late last year 20 texel and suffolk crosses, all bearing a red spray mark on their shoulders, were stolen from Ty'n Morfa, Malltraeth. n Contact PC Lander on 0845 607 1001, extension 5870.